Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip: Creamy, Zesty, and Simply Irresistible
If you love olives, this dip is about to become your new obsession 🫒✨
The Olive Lovers’ Dream Dip is creamy, briny, tangy, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavor. A mix of green and black olives, creamy cheese, garlic, lemon, and herbs comes together in a smooth-but-textured dip that’s perfect for parties, wine nights, or anytime snacking. It takes minutes to make and disappears even faster.
Serve it with crackers, warm pita, crostini, or fresh veggies—fair warning: people will ask for the recipe.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
1 cup mixed olives, pitted (green, Kalamata, Castelvetrano—your choice)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Optional add-ins:
1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or feta
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Splash of olive brine (for extra zing)
Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Olives
Finely chop the olives by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor.
Don’t over-process—you want texture, not paste.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and zest.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine
Fold in the chopped olives, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs.
Taste and adjust seasoning (add brine or lemon if needed).
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Chill for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Q & A
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better after chilling. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge.
What olives work best?
A mix is ideal:
Kalamata → bold & briny
Green olives → sharp & tangy
Castelvetrano → buttery & mild
Can I make it lighter?
Absolutely. Swap cream cheese for Neufchâtel or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Is this dip salty?
Olives bring natural saltiness, so taste before adding any extra salt. Often, none is needed.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives—still delicious and creamy.
How long does it last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Ideas
Crackers or pita chips
Toasted baguette slices
Fresh cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers
As a sandwich or wrap spread
Dolloped onto grilled chicken or roasted veggies
Tips for Best Flavor
Let the dip rest before serving—it deepens the olive flavor.
Finish with lemon zest or chili oil for a fancy touch.
Use high-quality olives packed in brine, not cans if possible.